Adjustable panel mount

ABSTRACT

A panel mount including a base, a first jaw, and a second jaw is provided. The panel mount includes a first and second threaded hole in the first jaw having fasteners received therein. The first threaded hole is nearer to the base than the second threaded hole. The panel mount includes a first and a second protrusion when fasteners are adjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The panel mount includes a pivot protrusion on the second jaw. A panel is to be fastened between the pivot protrusion and at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion. Further, when one of the threaded fasteners protrudes from the first jaw at a greater distance than the other of the threaded fasteners, the panel may pivot about an axis centered on the pivot protrusion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/232,861, filed Aug. 10, 2016, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present application generally relates to panel mounts and, inparticular, panel mounts for adjustably fastening a panel to astructure.

BACKGROUND

Mounts for building panels, such as glass panels, wood panels, plasticpanels, or concrete panels, often include a channel for receiving aportion of one or more building panels. Once a panel is placed andpositioned within the channel, various methods may be used to secure theone or more panels within the channel. For example, cement ornon-shrinking cement may be poured into the channel. Wedge-like devicesmay also be inserted into channels to occupy space between one or morepanels and channel walls. The wedge-like devices may also function topress a panel against a channel wall. Alternatively, bolts that are inalignment and that originate from both sides of a channel may applysimultaneous force to secure panels within the channel. That is, forcefrom a first bolt on a first side of the channel is complemented by analigned force from a second bolt on the opposing side of the channel tosecure the panel in a position perpendicular to a base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanyingdrawings which show example embodiments of the present application, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure having a first panel mountbody and a second panel mount body mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example panel mount;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example panel mount body;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the panel mount in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example adjustable plate for use in apanel mount;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example rocker plate for use in apanel mount;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an example rocker plate andadjustable plate for use in a panel mount;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example threaded fastener for use ina panel mount;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of another example threaded fastener foruse in a panel mount;

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an example panel mount with a panelin a first position; and

FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of the panel mount of FIG. 9A with thepanel adjusted to a second position;

FIG. 9C is a front elevation view of the panel mount of FIG. 9A with thepanel adjusted to a third position;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of another example panel mount with apanel received therein; and

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of another example panel mountfastened to a structure.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures todenote similar components.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present application describes devices for mounting panels, such asglass, wood, plastic, or concrete panels. Some embodiments of thepresent application may provide for fastening a panel to a structure andfacilitating quick adjustments to the panel in a simple andnon-destructive way. For example, some embodiments of the presentapplication may facilitate adjustments to be made to the panel withoutrequiring access to opposing sides of the panel or the panel mount.

In accordance with the present application, there is provided a panelmount for adjustably fastening a panel to a structure. The panel mountincludes a base having a first base surface and a first jaw and a secondjaw extending from the first base surface. The first jaw and the secondjaw define an elongate slot. The panel mount also includes a firstthreaded hole and a second threaded hole in the first jaw. The firstthreaded hole and the second threaded hole extend through the first jaw.The first threaded hole is nearer to the first base surface than thesecond threaded hole. The panel mount also includes a first threadedfastener received within the first threaded hole. The first threadedfastener is a first protrusion when the first threaded fastener isadjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw. Thepanel mount also includes a second threaded fastener received within thesecond threaded hole. The second threaded fastener is a secondprotrusion when the second threaded fastener is adjusted to protrudefrom the first jaw towards the second jaw. The panel mount also includesa pivot protrusion on the second jaw. The pivot protrusion extends in aperpendicular direction from the second jaw towards a position on thefirst jaw intermediate the first threaded hole and the second threadedhole. The panel is to be fastened between the pivot protrusion and atleast one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion.

In another aspect, there is provided another panel mount for adjustablyfastening a panel to a structure. The panel mount includes a base havinga first base surface and a first jaw and a second jaw extending from thefirst base surface. The first jaw and the second jaw define an elongateslot. The panel mount also includes a first threaded hole and a secondthreaded hole in the first jaw. The first threaded hole and the secondthreaded hole extends through the first jaw. The first threaded hole isnearer to the first base surface than the second threaded hole. Thepanel mount also includes a first threaded fastener received within thefirst threaded hole. The first threaded fastener is a first protrusionwhen the first threaded fastener is adjusted to protrude from the firstjaw towards the second jaw. The panel mount also includes a secondthreaded fastener received within the second threaded hole. The secondthreaded fastener is a second protrusion when the second threadedfastener is adjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the secondjaw. The panel mount also includes a rocker plate positioned between thefirst jaw and the second jaw. The rocker plate includes a rocker bodyhaving a convex protrusion. The convex protrusion abuts the second jawto provide a pivot point about an axis centered on the convexprotrusion. The panel is to be fastened between the rocker plate and atleast one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion.

In another aspect, there is provided a panel mount system including aplurality of panel mounts as described herein. The plurality of panelmounts may be successively positioned to receive a portion of one ormore received panels.

Other aspects and features of the present application will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the followingdescription of examples in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

In the present application, the term “and/or” is intended to cover allpossible combinations and sub-combinations of the listed elements,including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, orall of the elements, and without necessarily excluding additionalelements.

In the present application, the phrase “at least one of . . . or . . . ”is intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, includingany one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of theelements, without necessarily excluding any additional elements, andwithout necessarily requiring all of the elements.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of astructure 180 having a first panel mount 100A and a second panel mount100B mounted thereon. Although two panel mounts are illustrated, thestructure 180 may have any number of panel mounts mounted thereon. Forease of illustration, the first panel mount 100A is illustrated by thefirst panel mount body 110A and the second panel mount 100B isillustrated by the second panel mount body 110B. As will be apparent inthe description that follows, the first panel mount 100A and the secondpanel mount 100B may include a rocker plate, an adjustable plate,compression pads, and/or threaded fasteners.

The first panel mount 100A and the second panel mount 100B maycooperatively receive a panel for adjustably fastening the panel to thestructure 180. For example, several panel mounts may be positionedaround a perimeter of a backyard deck, and the panel mounts may receiveone or more panels in elongate slots defined by the panel mounts. Thereceived one or more panels may be securely fastened in a position thatmay be perpendicular to the backyard deck surface.

In one example, the first panel mount 100A and the second panel mount100B may cooperatively receive a rectangular glass panel for fasteningthe glass panel to the structure 180. As will be apparent from thedescription below, the position of the received glass panel may beadjusted using threaded fasteners from one side of the glass panel. Forexample, the received glass panel may be adjusted to a position that isoffset from a perpendicular position relative to a base surface. Thefirst panel mount 100A may receive one portion of the rectangular glasspanel and the second panel mount 100B may receive a second portion ofthe glass panel. In another example, the first panel mount 100A and thesecond panel mount 100B may collectively receive a rectangular woodpanel for fastening the wood panel to the structure 180. In thedescription that follows, some embodiments are described for receivingpanels, such as glass, wood, concrete, or plastic panels, within panelmounts. It will be appreciated that aspects of the present applicationmay be implemented to receive any other types of materials receivablewithin an elongate slot defined by the panel mount.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is an exploded perspective viewof an example panel mount 200 of the present application. The panelmount 200 includes a panel mount body 210, threaded fasteners (e.g.,first threaded fastener 232, second threaded fastener 234, thirdthreaded fastener 236), an adjustable plate 242, a rocker plate 244, andcompression pads, such as adjustable plate compression pad 246 androcker plate compression pad 248.

The panel mount body 210 includes a base 216 having a first base surface218 and a second base surface 220. The panel mount body 210 may alsoinclude a first jaw 212 and a second jaw 214 extending from the base 216or the first base surface 218. The first jaw 212 and the second jaw 214may define an elongate slot for receiving a panel therebetween. That is,the first jaw 212, the second jaw 214, and the base 216 may form aU-shape for receiving a panel therebetween.

The panel mount body 210 may also include a first threaded hole 222 anda second threaded hole 224 in the first jaw 212. The first threaded hole222 and the second threaded hole 224 may extend through the first jaw212. That is, the first threaded hole 222 and the second threaded hole224 may be through-holes in the first jaw 212. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 2, a threaded hole may begin with a first opening ona first surface of a jaw and end with a second opening on an opposingsurface of the jaw. The first threaded hole 222 and the second threadedhole 224 may be sized for receiving complementary threaded fasteners.Threaded fasteners may include screws, bolts, rods, or other similardiscrete hardware that may have screw threads along an elongate body.

The first threaded hole 222 may be nearer to the first base surface 218than the second threaded hole 224. For example, as illustrated in FIG.2, the direct distance between the first threaded hole 222 and the firstbase surface 218 may be less than the direct distance between the secondthreaded hole 224 and the first base surface 218. Thus, in FIG. 2, thefirst threaded hole 222 may be below the second threaded hole 224.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the panel mount body 210 may include a thirdthreaded hole 226 in the second jaw 214. The third threaded hole 226 mayextend through the second jaw 214. That is, the threaded hole 226 may bea through-hole in the second jaw 214. For example, the third threadedhole 226 may begin with a first opening on a first surface of the secondjaw 214 and end with a second opening on an opposing surface of thesecond jaw 214. In some embodiments, the third threaded hole 226 may besized for receiving a complementary third threaded fastener 236.

In some embodiments, the third threaded fastener 236 may be a screw.When the complementary third threaded fastener 236 is received withinthe third threaded hole 226, a user may adjust the third threadedfastener 236 by turning the third threaded fastener 236 in a clock-wiseor in a counter-clockwise direction. That is, the third threadedfastener 236 may be adjusted towards and away from the first jaw 212.For example, when the third threaded fastener 236 is turned in aclock-wise direction, the third threaded fastener 236 may be adjustedtowards the first jaw 212. When the third threaded fastener 236 isturned in a counter-clockwise direction, the third threaded fastener 236may be adjusted away from the first jaw 212.

For example, when the third threaded fastener 236 is turned in aclock-wise direction, the third threaded fastener 236 may be adjustedwithin the third threaded hole 226 to traverse towards the first jaw 212and may protrude the second jaw 214. That is, the third threadedfastener 236 may protrude from a surface of the second jaw 214 thatfaces the first jaw 212. Accordingly, the third threaded fastener 236may act as a pivot protrusion. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pivotprotrusion may extend in a perpendicular direction from the second jaw214 towards a position on the first jaw 212 that is intermediate thefirst threaded hole 222 and the second threaded hole 224. That is, thepivot protrusion may be offset from the first threaded hole 222 and maybe offset from the second threaded hole 224.

In some embodiments, the pivot protrusion on the second jaw 214 may beimplemented in a way that does not include a third threaded hole 226.For example, a convex shaped protrusion may be positioned on the secondjaw 214 and may extend in a perpendicular direction from the second jaw214 towards a position on the first jaw 212 that is intermediate thefirst threaded hole 222 and the second threaded hole 224. As will beapparent in the description that follows, the convex shaped protrusionmay be a pivot protrusion and may provide an axis about which a receivedpanel may pivot.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the panel mount body 210 may have a secondbase surface 220 opposing the first base surface 218. When the panelmount 200 is placed atop a structure (not illustrated in FIG. 2), thesecond base surface 220 may be adjacent a surface of the abuttingstructure. In some embodiments, the panel mount body 210 may include abase hole 250 for receiving a base fastener (not illustrated in FIG. 2)for coupling the panel mount 200 to the structure. For example, the basehole 250 may be sized for receiving a base fastener for coupling thepanel mount 200 to the abutting structure. For example, the base hole250 may be a threaded hole sized for receiving a threaded base fastenerfor coupling the panel mount 200 to the abutting structure. The threadedbase fastener may be threaded through the base hole 250 and engage withthe abutting structure surface for coupling the panel mount 200 to thestructure. In some other embodiments, the base hole 250 may be anon-threaded hole and may be configured to receive various types ofanchor fasteners. For example, if the panel mount 200 is placed atop aconcrete structure, anchor fasteners such as wedge anchors, sleeveanchors, and/or tapcon screws may be used in the base hole 250 forcoupling the panel mount 200 to the abutting concrete structure. If thepanel mount 200 is placed atop a wood structure, anchor fasteners suchas lag bolts may be used in the base hole 250 for coupling the panelmount 200 to the abutting wood structure. The aforementioned anchorfasteners are examples and any other suitable anchor fasteners may beused. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the base hole 250 may bepositioned on a portion of the base 216 that is between the first jaw212 and the second jaw 214.

In some embodiments, the panel mount 200 may not include a base hole250. That is, the panel mount 200 may be coupled to the structure byother fastening means. For example, the panel mount 200 may be coupledto the structure using adhesive. In some other embodiments, the panelmount 200 may be coupled to the structure using hook and look fastenersor another fastening means. In some other embodiments, the panel mount200 may be cemented or nailed to the structure.

Although the first panel mount 100A and the second panel mount 100B inFIG. 1 and the panel mount 200 in FIG. 2 may sit atop an adjacentstructure, in some embodiments, the panel mount 200 may be fastened to aceiling and may be suspended from a ceiling. In other embodiments, thepanel mount 200 may be fastened to a wall or frame that is perpendicularto a ground surface.

The panel mount body 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 may have an overall shapethat occupies a volume of air having a shape of a rectangular prism. Inother examples, a panel mount body of a panel mount can occupy a volumeof air having any other shape.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a perspective view of anotherexample panel mount body 310 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent application. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the panel mount body 310may have an overall shape that occupies a volume of air that isdifferent than that occupied by the panel mount body 210 illustrated inFIG. 2.

The panel mount body 310 includes a base 316 having a first base surface318 and a second base surface 320. The panel mount body 310 may alsoinclude a first jaw 312 and a second jaw 314 extending from the firstbase surface 318. The first jaw 312 and the second jaw 314 define anelongate slot for receiving a panel therebetween.

The panel mount body 310 may also include a first threaded hole 322 anda second threaded hole 324. The first threaded hole 322 and the secondthreaded hole 324 may extend through the first jaw 312. That is, thethreaded holes 322, 324 may be through-holes in the first jaw 212. Forexample, a threaded hole may begin with a first opening on a firstsurface of a jaw and end with a second opening on an opposing secondsurface of the jaw. The first threaded hole 322 and the second threadedhole 324 may be sized for receiving complementary threaded fasteners.

Similar to the panel mount body 210 that is illustrated in FIG. 2, thefirst threaded hole 322 may be nearer to the first base surface 318 thanthe second threaded hole 324. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, thedirect distance between the first threaded hole 322 and the first basesurface 318 may be less than the direct distance between the secondthreaded hole 324 and the first base surface 318. Thus, the firstthreaded hole 322 may be below the second threaded hole 324.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the panel mount body 310 may include a thirdthreaded hole 326 in the second jaw 314. The third threaded hole 326 mayextend through the second jaw 314. That is, the threaded hole 326 may bea through-hole in the second jaw 314. For example, the third threadedhole 326 may begin with a first opening on a first surface of the secondjaw 314 and end with a second opening on an opposing surface of thesecond jaw 314. In some embodiments, the third threaded hole 326 may besized for receiving a complementary fastener.

In some embodiments, the panel mount body 310 may be configured to beplaced atop a structure (not illustrated in FIG. 3). That is, the secondbase surface 320 may be adjacent a surface of the abutting structure. Insome embodiments, the panel mount body 310 may include one or more baseholes 350A, 350B for receiving one or more base fasteners (notillustrated in FIG. 3) for coupling the panel mount body 310 to thestructure. The one or more base holes 350A, 350B may be sized forreceiving one or more base fasteners or anchor fasteners for couplingthe panel mount body 310 to the abutting structure. As discussed withreference to FIG. 2, anchor fasteners may include wedge anchors, sleeveanchors, tapcon screws and/or lag bolts.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the one or more base holes350A, 350B are not positioned on a portion of the base 316 that isbetween the first jaw 312 and the second jaw 314. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 3, the one or more base holes 350A, 350B may bepositioned on a portion of the base 316 that is outside an elongate slotdefined by the first jaw 312 and the second jaw 314.

In some other embodiments, one or more base holes may be positioned onportions of the base 316 that are: (1) between the first jaw 312 and thesecond jaw 314; and (2) on portions of the base 316 that are outside theelongate slot defined by the first jaw 312 and the second jaw 314.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second base surface320 may have a larger surface area compared to the second base surface220 of the panel mount body 210 that is illustrated in FIG. 2. That is,when the panel mount body 310 is coupled to a structure, the surfacearea of the panel mount body 310 that abuts the adjacent structure maybe larger than the surface area of the panel mount body 210 illustratedin FIG. 2 that abuts the adjacent structure.

Referring again to FIG. 2, threaded fasteners may be received withinthreaded holes of the first jaw 212 and the second jaw 214. For example,a first threaded fastener 232 may be received within the first threadedhole 222. A second threaded fastener 234 may be received within thesecond threaded hole 224. A third threaded fastener 236 may be receivedwithin the third threaded hole 226. In some embodiments, the firstthreaded hole 222, the second threaded hole 224, and the third threadedhole 226 may be sized for coupling or mating with a complementary firstthreaded fastener 232, a complementary second threaded fastener 234, anda complementary third threaded fastener 236, respectively. In someembodiments, the threaded fasteners may be screws.

In some embodiments, the first threaded fastener 232, the secondthreaded fastener 234, and the third threaded fastener 236 may beindependently adjustable towards and away from an opposing jaw. Forexample, the first threaded fastener 232 may be threaded in a clockwisedirection and may be driven from the first jaw 212 to the second jaw214. When the first threaded fastener 232 is driven a distance from thefirst jaw 212 to the second jaw 214, a portion of the threaded fastener232 may protrude or emerge from a surface of the first jaw 212 thatfaces the second jaw 214. Similarly, the second threaded fastener 234may be driven a distance from the first jaw 212 to the second jaw 214.Because the first threaded fastener 232 and the second threaded fastener234 may be independently adjusted, the first threaded fastener 232 andthe second threaded fastener 234 may protrude or emerge from the surfaceof the first jaw 212 by a different distance. Because the first threadedfastener 232 and the second threaded fastener 234 may protrude or emergefrom the surface of the first jaw 212 by a different distance, a panelreceived within the elongate slot defined by the first jaw 212 and thesecond jaw 214 may be tilted by turning the first threaded fastener 232and the second threaded fastener 234 received within the first jaw 212.That is, embodiments of the present application enable a user to adjustthe position of a received panel, such as tilting or offsetting thepanel position from a vertical position, without needing access to bothsides of the panel.

In addition, the third threaded fastener 236 may be threaded in aclockwise direction and may be driven from the second jaw 214 to thefirst jaw 212. When the third threaded fastener 236 is driven a distancefrom the second jaw 214 to the first jaw 212, a portion of the thirdthreaded fastener 236 may protrude or emerge from a surface of thesecond jaw 214. As will be apparent in the description that follows,when a portion of the third threaded fastener 236 protrudes or emergesfrom a surface of the second jaw 214 that faces the first jaw 212, theprotrusion may be a pivot protrusion and may provide an axis about whicha received panel may pivot.

In some embodiments, the first threaded fastener 232 may be a firstprotrusion when the first threaded fastener 232 is adjusted to protrudefrom the first jaw 212 towards the second jaw 214. Similarly, the secondthreaded fastener 234 may be a second protrusion when the secondthreaded fastener 234 is adjusted to protrude from the first jaw 212towards the second jaw 214. Further, a third threaded fastener 236 maybe a pivot protrusion when the third threaded fastener 236 is adjustedto protrude from the second jaw 214 towards the first jaw 212.Accordingly, a received panel may be fastened between the pivotprotrusion and at least one of the first protrusion or the secondprotrusion.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a right side elevation view ofthe panel mount body 210 in FIG. 2. The first jaw 212, the firstthreaded hole 222 and the second threaded hole 224 are illustrated inFIG. 4. Further, the adjustable plate 242 and the third threaded hole226 are illustrated with hatched lines. In some embodiments, the panelmount 200 may be made of an opaque material. Because the adjustableplate 242 and the third threaded hole 226 may not be visible whenviewing the panel mount 200 from the right side elevation view of FIG.4, the hatched lines illustrate an example placement of the adjustableplate 242 and the third threaded hole 226 for the panel mount 200.

In some embodiments, the first threaded hole 222, the second threadedhole 224, and the third threaded hole 226 may be positioned along astraight line or in a plane that goes into and comes out of the page ofFIG. 4. When the panel mount 200 is viewed from a side elevation view,the third threaded hole 226 may not overlap either of the first threadedhole 222 or the second threaded hole 224. As illustrated in FIG. 4, insome embodiments, the third threaded hole 226 may be at a position thatis intermediate or nestled between the first threaded hole 222 and thesecond threaded hole 224. That is, the third threaded hole 226 may notbe aligned with the first threaded hole 222 or the second threaded hole224.

To illustrate the position of the threaded holes on the panel mount 200,a number of planes may be defined. For example, the base 216 may be in abase plane and the first jaw 212 may be in a first jaw plane. Thus, thefirst jaw plane may be perpendicular to the base plane. Further, thesecond jaw 214 may be in a second jaw plane. Thus, the second jaw planemay be parallel to the first jaw plane. The second jaw plane may beperpendicular to the base plane. Additionally, the first threaded hole222, the second threaded hole 224, and the third threaded hole 226 maybe in a protrusion plane. The protrusion plane may be a plane that goesinto and comes out of the page of FIG. 4. Thus, the protrusion plane maybe perpendicular to the base plane, the first jaw plane, and the secondjaw plane.

In other embodiments, the first threaded hole 222, the second threadedhole 224, and the third threaded hole 226 may not be positioned along astraight line or a plane. For example, when viewing the panel mount froma side elevation view, the first threaded hole 222 and the secondthreaded hole 224 may not be in a plane with the third threaded hole226. In some embodiments, the first threaded hole 222 and the secondthreaded hole 224 may be offset from the third threaded hole 226 in alateral direction. In some other embodiments, the first threaded hole222 and the second threaded hole 224 may be offset from the thirdthreaded hole 226 by a different distance.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the panel mount 200 may include an adjustableplate 242 and a rocker plate 244. In some embodiments, an adjustableplate 242 and a rocker plate 244 may be positioned within the elongateslot defined by the first jaw 212 and the second jaw 214. In otherembodiments, one of the adjustable plate 242 and the rocker plate 244may be positioned within the elongate slot defined by the first jaw 212and the second jaw 214. The adjustable plate 242 and the rocker plate244 may couple force from threaded fasteners protruding from the jaws.In some embodiments, the adjustable plate 242 and the rocker plate 244may be used to protect the received panel from scratches potentiallycaused by contact with threaded fasteners.

In some embodiments, the adjustable plate 242 includes a firstadjustable plate surface that faces the first jaw 212. The firstadjustable plate surface may abut at least one of the first threadedfastener 232 received within the first threaded hole 222 or the secondthreaded fastener 234 received within the second threaded hole 224.

The adjustable plate 242 may also include a second adjustable platesurface that faces the second jaw 214. In some embodiments, theadjustable plate 242 may include an adjustable plate compression pad 246positioned on the second adjustable plate surface. When the panel mount200 receives a panel, the adjustable plate compression pad 246 may abuta panel surface. The adjustable plate compression pad 246 may be made ofrubber, plastic, neoprene, or any other material. In some embodiments,the adjustable plate 242 may be made of metal and the adjustable platecompression pad 246 may protect the panel from potential physicalabrasions otherwise caused by contact with the adjustable plate 242being made of metal.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a perspective view of anexample adjustable plate for use in a panel mount, in accordance with anembodiment of the present application. The adjustable plate 500 may havea generally rectangular shape. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the adjustableplate 500 may include a shaped indentation 510 positioned in a centrallocation of the adjustable plate 500. The shaped indentation may assistfor positioning the adjustable plate 500 to abut at least one of a firstthreaded fastener 232 or a second threaded fastener 234 received withinthe first jaw 212. For example, the shaped indentation may be positionedto receive the first threaded fastener 232 or the second threadedfastener 234 to prevent movement of the adjustable plate 500 afterinstallation. In some embodiments, the adjustable plate 500 may notinclude the shaped indentation 510. Although the adjustable plate 500 isillustrated has having a generally rectangular shape, in some otherembodiments, the adjustable plate may have any other shape.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the rocker plate 244 may be positioned withinthe elongate slot defined by the first jaw 212 and the second jaw 214.The rocker plate 244 may include a first rocker plate surface facing thesecond jaw 214. The first rocker plate surface may abut at a pivotprotrusion on the second jaw 214. As described, the pivot protrusion mayextend in a perpendicular direction from the second jaw 214 towards aposition on the first jaw that is intermediate the first threaded hole222 and the second threaded hole 224. The pivot protrusion on the secondjaw 214 may provide an axis about which the rocker plate 244 may pivot.

The rocker plate 244 may also include a second rocker plate surfacefacing the first jaw 212. In some embodiments, the rocker plate 244 mayinclude a rocker plate compression pad 248 positioned on the secondrocker plate surface. When the panel mount 200 receives a panel, therocker plate compression pad 248 may abut a panel surface.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a perspective view of anexample rocker plate 600 for use in a panel mount. The rocker plate 600may be positioned within the elongate slot defined by the first jaw 212and the second jaw 214.

The rocker plate 600 may include a rocker body 610 and a cantilever arm620. When the rocker plate 600 is positioned between the first jaw 212and the second jaw 214, the rocker body 610 may be adjacent the secondjaw 214. The rocker body 610 may have a first rocker body end 602. Thecantilever arm 620 may be coupled to the first rocker body end 602.

When the rocker plate 600 is positioned between the first jaw 212 andthe second jaw 214 of a panel mount body 210, the cantilever arm 620 mayextend from the first rocker body end 602 towards a first jaw 212 to acantilever arm end tip 622.

In some embodiments, when the rocker plate 600 is positioned between thefirst jaw 212 and the second jaw 214 of the panel mount body 210, therocker body 610 may abut a pivot protrusion on the second jaw 214 topivot about an axis centered on the pivot protrusion. As described, insome embodiments, the pivot protrusion on the second jaw 214 may includea third threaded fastener 236 that protrudes from a surface of thesecond jaw 214. That is, the protruding third threaded fastener 236 maybe extending in a perpendicular direction from the second jaw towards aposition on the first jaw 212, where the position on the first jaw 212may be intermediate the first threaded hole and the second threadedhole. Referring still to FIG. 6, the rocker body 610 may abut a pivotprotrusion on the second jaw 214 at a location indicated by the “X”marking 630 and may pivot about a radius “R”.

In some embodiments, when a panel is received within the elongate slotdefined by the first jaw 212 and the second jaw 214, the cantilever arm620 may support the received panel within the elongate slot. That is,the received panel may have a surface abutting the rocker body 610 andmay have a surface abutting the cantilever arm 620.

The cantilever arm 620 has a cantilever arm thickness. In someembodiments, the cantilever arm 620 may have a uniform thickness fromthe first rocker body end 602 to the cantilever arm end tip 622.

In other embodiments, the cantilever arm 620 may have a non-uniformthickness from the first rocker body end 602 to the cantilever arm endtip 622. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the cantilever armthickness may taper from the first rocker body end 602 to the cantileverarm end tip 622. That is, the thickness of the cantilever arm 620 at alocation near the first rocker body end 602 may be largest, while thethickness of the cantilever arm 620 at the cantilever arm end tip 622may be smallest. In some embodiments, the thickness of the cantileverarm 620 may gradually decrease from the first rocker body end 602 to thecantilever arm end tip 622. As will be apparent from the descriptionbelow, the tapered thickness of the cantilever arm 620 may facilitatepivoting of the rocker plate 600 about an axis centered on a pivotprotrusion on the second jaw 214.

As described, in some embodiments, the rocker plate 244 may include arocker body and a cantilever arm coupled to the rocker body, such as therocker plate 600 described with reference to FIG. 6. However, in someother embodiments, the rocker plate 244 may not include a cantileverarm. For example, the rocker plate 244 may include a rocker body withouta cantilever arm. The rocker body may have a generally rectangularshape. In some embodiments where the rocker plate 244 may not include acantilever arm, one or more setting blocks may be positioned on and/orabut the first base surface 218 to prevent contact between a receivedpanel and the first base surface 218. In some embodiments, the one ormore setting blocks may be made of rubber and/or plastic material.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a front elevation view of anexample rocker plate 705 and an adjustable plate 715 for use in a panelmount. The rocker plate 705 may include a rocker body and a cantileverarm, similar to the rocker plate 600 described with reference to FIG. 6.In some embodiments, the rocker plate 705 may be coupled to theadjustable plate 715 at a coupling point 725. When the rocker plate 705may be coupled to the adjustable plate 715 at the coupling point 725,the rocker plate 705 and the adjustable plate 715 may form a panelreceiving slot 735.

In some embodiments, the rocker plate 705 may be coupled to theadjustable plate 715 at the coupling point 725 using adhesive. In otherembodiments, the rocker plate 705 and the adjustable plate 715 may bemechanically joined during manufacturing. In some other embodiments, therocker plate 705 and the adjustable plate 715 may be manufactured as onecomponent.

In some embodiments, the coupling point 725 may be the joining of acantilever arm end tip 622 and a first adjustable plate end. The firstadjustable plate end may be adjacent a first base surface 218 when theadjustable plate is positioned between a first jaw and a second jaw. Insome embodiments, the coupling point 725 may be a flexible joint. Thatis, the joint may allow the adjustable plate 715 to be pushed nearer toor away from the rocker plate 705.

Further, in some embodiments, the surfaces of the rocker plate 705 andthe adjustable plate 715 that are within the panel receiving slot 735may include one or more compression pads (not illustrated in FIG. 7).When a panel is received within the panel receiving slot, thecompression pads may be positioned between the panel and the rockerplate 705 and may be positioned between the panel and the adjustableplate 715. The compression pads may be made of rubber, plastic,neoprene, or any other material. In some embodiments, the rocker plate705 and the adjustable plate 715 may be made of metal and thecompression pads may protect the received panel from potential physicalabrasions otherwise caused by contact with the rocker plate 705 and theadjustable plate 715 being made of metal.

Although a rocker plate 705 and an adjustable plate 715 may form a panelreceiving slot 735 for receiving a panel in a panel mount, in someembodiments, a panel mount 200 may directly receive a panel within theelongate slot defined by the first jaw 212 and second jaw 214. That is,the rocker plate 705 and the adjustable plate 715 may not be inserted inthe panel mount. For example, the first threaded fastener 232, thesecond threaded fastener 234, and the third threaded fastener 236 mayprotrude surfaces of the jaws and may directly abut surfaces of thereceived panel.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are perspective views ofexample threaded fasteners for use in a panel mount. Referring to FIG.8A, a threaded fastener 800 may be in the form of a set screw havingthreads along the full length of the screw 802. In some embodiments, thethreaded fastener 800 may have a formation in the form of a polygonalsocket 804. For example, the polygonal socket 804 may allow engagementwith a wrench or other tool, and the wrench or other tool may be used toadjustably rotate the threaded fastener 800 within a threaded hole of apanel mount. For example, the threaded fastener 800 may be used for atleast one of the first threaded fastener 232, the second threadedfastener 234, or the third threaded fastener 236 illustrated in FIG. 2.In some embodiments, the polygonal socket 804 may be of a unique shape.For example, the unique shape may only be engageable with a keyed orspecialized tool, rather than commonly found Allen keys or socketedwrenches.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a threaded fastener 850 may be in the form of aset screw having threads along a portion of the threaded fastener 850.For example, the threads 854 may extend from a first end 852 andterminate at a intermediate location 856 between the first end 852 andthe second end 858. Further, the threaded fastener 850 may have anon-cylindrical formation at the second end 858 of the threadedfastener. The non-cylindrical formation may be engageable with a wrenchor other tool, and the wrench or other tool may be used to adjustablyrotate the threaded fastener 850 within a threaded hole of a panelmount. For example, the threaded fastener 850 may be used for at leastone of the threaded fastener 232, the second threaded fastener 234, orthe third threaded fastener 236 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, which are front elevationviews of example panel mounts with a panel 985 received between thefirst jaw 212 and the second jaw 214. Similar reference numerals tothose used in preceding figures are used to denote similar components.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, which is a front elevation view of an examplepanel mount 900A, the rocker plate 600 and the adjustable plate 500 mayform a panel receiving slot for receiving the panel 985. The firstthreaded fastener 232 and the second threaded fastener 234 may bereceived within the first threaded hole 222 and the second threaded hole224, respectively, and a user may, for example, rotate the threadedfasteners so that the threaded fasteners protrude or emerge from asurface of the first jaw 212 towards the second jaw 214. For example,when the first threaded fastener 232 is adjusted to protrude form thefirst jaw 212 towards the second jaw 214, the first threaded fastener232 may be a first protrusion. Similarly, when the second threadedfastener 234 is adjusted to protrude from the first jaw 212 towards thesecond jaw 214, the second threaded fastener 234 may be a secondprotrusion. Further, the third threaded fastener 236 may be receivedwithin the third threaded hole 226 and a user may rotate the thirdthreaded fastener 236 so that the third threaded fastener 236 protrudesor emerges from a surface of the second jaw 214 towards the first jaw212. For example, when the third threaded fastener 236 is adjusted toprotrude from the second jaw 214 towards the first jaw 212, the thirdthreaded fastener 236 may be a pivot protrusion. Accordingly, theprotruding third threaded fastener 236 may abut the rocker body 610 ofthe rocker plate 600 and may provide an axis about which the rockerplate 600 may pivot. Further, the received panel 985 may be fastenedbetween the pivot protrusion and at least one of the first protrusion orthe second protrusion.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the first threaded fastener 232, the secondthreaded fastener 234, and the third threaded fastener 236 may protrudefrom a jaw surface by an equal amount. The protruding threaded fastenerportions may provide a non-penetrating force to the received panel 985for fastening the panel 985 within the elongate slot of the panel mount900A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 9A, the rocker plate 600couples the non-penetrating force from the third threaded fastener 236to the panel 985. Similarly, the adjustable plate 500 couples thenon-penetrating force from the first threaded fastener 232 and thesecond threaded fastener 234 to the panel 985.

Further, in the illustrated example of FIG. 9A, the distance that thefirst threaded fastener 232 protrudes the first jaw 212 may be similarto the distance that the second threaded fastener 234 protrudes thefirst jaw 212. Accordingly, the panel 985 may be fastened within theelongate slot of the panel mount 900A in a position that may beperpendicular to the base 216.

Referring still to FIG. 9A, distances between the first threaded hole232, the second threaded hole 234, and the third threaded hole 236 andthe base 216 may be illustrated. The relative distances may bereferenced generally to the base 216 or may be referenced generally tothe first base surface 218. For example, the direct distance between thethird threaded hole 226 and the base 216 may be illustrated as distance“A”. The direct distance between the first threaded hole 222 and thebase 216 may be illustrated as distance “B”. Further, the directdistance between the second threaded hole 224 and the base 216 may beillustrated as distance “C”.

In some embodiments, the distance between the third threaded hole 226and the base 216 (distance “A”) may be greater than the distance betweenthe first threaded hole 222 and the base 216 (distance “B”). Further,the distance between the third threaded hole 226 and the base 216(distance “A”) may be less than the distance between the second threadedhole 224 and the base 216 (distance “C”). Thus, when the panel mount900A is viewed from a side elevation view (see e.g., FIG. 4), the firstprotrusion from the first threaded fastener 232 and the secondprotrusion from the second threaded fastener 234 may not align with thepivot protrusion from the third threaded fastener 236.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9B, which is a front elevation view of anexample panel mount 900B with a panel 985 fastened between the first jaw212 and the second jaw 214 in an orientation that is different than thatillustrated in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the received panel 985 may befastened within the elongate slot of the panel mount 900B in a positionthat is not perpendicular to the base 216.

As described, the first threaded fastener 232, the second threadedfastener 234, and the third threaded fastener 236 may be independentlyadjustable towards and away from an opposing jaw. For example, the firstthreaded fastener 232 may be adjusted to protrude from the surface ofthe first jaw 212 at a distance that is different than a distance thatthe second threaded fastener 234 may protrude from the first jaw 212. Asillustrated in FIG. 9B, the second threaded fastener 234 may protrudefrom the first jaw 212 at a greater distance than the first threadedfastener 232. As the third threaded fastener 236 protrudes from thesecond jaw 214, the third threaded fastener 236 may provide an axisabout which the rocker plate 600 and the received panel 985 may pivot.When viewed from a front elevation view (as illustrated in FIG. 9B),because the third threaded fastener 236 may not align with the firstthreaded fastener 232 and the second threaded fastener 234, the receivedpanel 985 (and the accompanying rocker plate 600 and the adjustableplate 500) may pivot about the protruding third threaded fastener 236and be fastened in a position that is not perpendicular to the base 216.For example, the rocker plate 600 and the adjustable plate 500 may forma panel receiving slot and the panel receiving slot may pivot about anaxis centered on the pivot protrusion.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9C, which is a front elevation view of anexample panel mount 900C with a panel 985 fastened between the first jaw212 and the second jaw 214 in an orientation that is different than thatillustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

As described, the first threaded fastener 232, the second threadedfastener 234, and the third threaded fastener 236 may be independentlyadjustable towards and away from an opposing jaw. For example, the firstthreaded fastener 232 may be adjusted to protrude from the surface ofthe first jaw 212 at a distance that is different than a distance thatthe second threaded fastener 234 may protrude from the first jaw 212. Asillustrated in FIG. 9C, the second threaded fastener 234 may protrudefrom the first jaw 212 at a smaller distance than the first threadedfastener 232. As the third threaded fastener 236 protrudes from thesecond jaw 214, the third threaded fastener 236 may provide an axisabout which the rocker plate 600 and the received panel 985 may pivot.Because the third threaded fastener 236 may not align with the firstthreaded fastener 232 and the second threaded fastener 234, the receivedpanel 985 (and the accompanying rocker plate 600 and the adjustableplate 500) may pivot about the protruding third threaded fastener 236and be fastened in a position that, when viewed from a front elevationview as illustrated in FIG. 9C, is not perpendicular to the base 216.

In contrast to FIG. 9B, the received panel 985 in FIG. 9C is fastened ina position that, when viewed from a front elevation view as illustratedin FIG. 9C, is not perpendicular to the base 216 and is tilted in adirection that is different to the received panel 985 illustrated inFIG. 9B.

In some embodiments, the rocker plate 600 may additionally include aconcave indentation on a first rocker plate surface, where the firstrocker plate surface faces the second jaw 214. The concave indentationmay be sized to receive a pivot protrusion on the second jaw 214 or aportion of the third threaded fastener 236 protruding from the secondjaw 214. For example, when the pivot protrusion on the second jaw 214 issized to mate with the concave indentation of the rocker body 610, thepoint at which the rocker plate 600 pivots may be fixed. Referringbriefly again to FIG. 6, the rocker body 610 may additionally include aconcave indentation at the “X” marking 630.

Referring still to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, because the received panel 985may be fastened between the pivot protrusion and at least one of thefirst protrusion and the second protrusion, a user may unfasten areceived panel from a panel mount in a non-destructive way. For example,by turning the first threaded fastener 232 and/or the second threadedfastener 234 clockwise or counter-clockwise to adjust the position ofthe fasteners within the threaded holes, a user may release the forcecoupled from the first threaded fastener 232 and/or the second threadedfastener 234 to the received panel. Accordingly, it would be unnecessaryto break any concrete or remove devices wedged within an elongate slotor channel. By releasing force coupled from the first threaded fastener232 and the second threaded fastener 234 to the received panel, a usermay adjust the position of the panel within the panel mount, such asadjusting the amount of the panel (e.g., in a vertical direction) beingreceived within the elongate slot.

Further, in some embodiments of the present application, it is apparentthat the position of the received panel 985 may be altered by adjustingthreaded fasteners on one jaw, rather than needing to adjust threadedfasteners on two jaws. A user may be able to adjust the position of thereceived panel 985 from a position that is perpendicular to the base 216(see e.g., FIG. 9A) to a position that is not perpendicular to the base216 (see e.g., FIG. 9B or 9C). A user may, for example, achieve a panel985 position illustrated in FIG. 9B by adjusting the first threadedfastener 232 position to be away from the panel 985 and by adjusting thesecond threaded fastener 234 position to be further towards the panel985. That is, a user may turn the first threaded fastener 232 in acounter-clockwise direction and may turn the second threaded fastener234 in a clockwise direction to achieve the panel 985 positionillustrated in FIG. 9B.

Similarly, from the panel 985 position illustrated in FIG. 9A, a usermay achieve a panel 985 position illustrated in FIG. 9C by adjusting thefirst threaded fastener 232 position to be further towards the panel 985and by adjusting the second threaded fastener 234 position to be awayfrom the panel 985. That is, a user may turn the first threaded fastener232 in a clockwise direction and may turn the second threaded fastener234 in a counter-clockwise direction to achieve the panel 985 positionillustrated in FIG. 9C.

Based on the foregoing description, it is apparent that the panel 985position may be altered without needing access to an opposing side ofthe panel or the third threaded fastener 236 in the second jaw 214. Theembodiments in the present application may be useful when panels aremounted in locations where access to opposing sides of the panel may notbe possible. For example, one or more panel mounts may be installed onan edge of a high-rise building balcony and glass panel barriers may befastened to the balcony edge by the panel mounts. Access to the panelmount on an exterior side of the high-rise balcony may not beconvenient. With embodiments of the present application, a maintenancetechnician may adjust the position of the glass panel barriers in asimple, non-destructive, and convenient way by adjusting the threadedfasteners from an interior side of the high-rise balcony edge. Inanother example, if embodiments of the panel mount were fastened to theedge of a swimming pool and glass panels were fastened to provide asafety barrier between the pool water and a backyard deck, access to thepanel mount nearest to the pool may not be convenient. With embodimentsof the present application, a user may adjust the position of glasspanels in a simple, non-destructive, and convenient way by adjustingthreaded fasteners on one side.

As described, in some embodiments, a cantilever arm 620 of a rockerplate 600 described in FIG. 6 may have a non-uniform thickness from afirst rocker body end 602 to the cantilever arm end tip 622. Based onthe foregoing description of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, it is apparent thatthe taper in the cantilever arm 620 thickness may allow the rocker plate600 to pivot with a greater range of motion as compared to when thecantilever arm 620 thickness were not tapered. For example, referringagain to FIG. 9C, the taper in the cantilever arm 620 thickness mayallow the received panel 985 to pivot a greater distance towards thefirst jaw 212 than if the cantilever arm 620 were not tapered. If thecantilever arm 620 were not tapered, when pivoting the panel 985 towardsthe first jaw 212, an un-tapered cantilever arm may be afforded a smalldegree of pivot capability compared to a tapered cantilever arm.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which is a front elevation view of anexample panel mount 1000 with a panel 985 received therein, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present application. In FIG.10, the rocker plate 1044 and the adjustable plate 500 may form a panelreceiving slot for receiving the panel 985. The panel mount 1000includes a first jaw 212 and a second jaw 1014 extending from the firstbase surface 218 of the base 216. The panel mount 1000 also includes afirst threaded hole 222 for receiving a first threaded fastener 232 anda second threaded hole 224 for receiving a second threaded fastener 234on the first jaw 212. The first threaded fastener 232 may be a firstprotrusion when the first threaded fastener 232 is adjusted to protrudefrom the first jaw 212 towards the second jaw 1014. The second threadedfastener 234 may be a second protrusion when the second threadedfastener 234 is adjusted to protrude from the first jaw 212 towards thesecond jaw 1014. The panel mount 1000 also includes a concaveindentation 1090 in the second jaw 1014 to receive a convex protrusion1048 of the rocker plate 1044.

In FIG. 10, the rocker plate 1044 is positioned between the first jaw212 and the second jaw 1014. The rocker plate 1044 includes a rockerbody 1046 having the convex protrusion 1048. The convex protrusion 1048is adjacent the second jaw 1014 and may be received within the concaveindentation 1090 in the second jaw 1014. The rocker plate 1044 alsoincludes a cantilever arm 1052 coupled to a first rocker body end 1050.The cantilever arm 1052 may extend from the first rocker body end 1050to a cantilever arm end tip 1054.

In some embodiments, because the convex protrusion 1048 is adjacent thesecond jaw 1014 and may be received within the concave indentation 1090in the second jaw 1014, the rocker plate 1044 may pivot about an axiscentered on the concave indentation 1090. Further, the panel 985 may befastened between the rocker plate 1044 and at least one of the firstprotrusion or the second protrusion.

For example, similar to the panel mounts described in FIGS. 9A to 9C, inFIG. 10, the first threaded fastener 232 and the second threadedfastener 234 may be independently adjustable towards and away from thesecond jaw 1014. The first threaded fastener 232 may be adjusted toprotrude from the surface of the first jaw 212 at a distance that isdifferent than a distance that the second threaded fastener 234 mayprotrude from the first jaw 212. Accordingly, when the first protrusionprotrudes at a greater distance than the second protrusion, the receivedpanel 985 (and accompanying rocker plate 1044 and adjustable plate 500)may be fastened in a position that is not perpendicular to the base 216.

In some embodiments, the adjustable plate 500 is positioned between thereceived panel 985 and the first jaw 212. For example, a first surfaceof the adjustable plate 500 may abut the first threaded fastener 232 andthe second threaded fastener 234 protruding from the first jaw 212.Further, a second surface of the adjustable plate 500 may abut thereceived panel 985. Thus, the adjustable plate 500 may couplenon-penetrating force from the protruding first threaded fastener 232and the second threaded fastener 234 to the received panel 985.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the first threaded fastener 232 and thesecond threaded fastener 234 protrude a surface of the first jaw 212 bythe same distance, the received panel 985 may be fastened between thefirst jaw 212 and the second jaw 1014 in a position that isperpendicular to the base 216.

As noted, the convex protrusion 1048 of the rocker plate 1044 may besized to be received within the concave indentation 1090 of the secondjaw 1014. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the rocker body 1046 mayhave a non-rectangular shape.

The cantilever arm 1052 has a cantilever arm thickness. In someembodiments, the cantilever arm 1052 may have a uniform thickness fromthe first rocker body end 1050 to the cantilever arm end tip 1054. Inother embodiments, the cantilever arm 1052 may have a non-uniformthickness from the first rocker body end 1050 to the cantilever arm endtip 1054. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the cantilever arm1052 may have a cantilever arm thickness that tapers from the firstrocker body end 1050 to the cantilever arm end tip 1054. That is, thethickness of the cantilever arm 1052 at a location near the first rockerbody end 1050 may be largest, while the thickness of the cantilever arm1052 at the cantilever arm end tip 1054 may be smallest. In someembodiments, the thickness of the cantilever arm 1052 may graduallydecrease from the first rocker body end 1050 to the cantilever arm endtip 1054. The tapered thickness of the cantilever arm 1052 mayfacilitate pivoting of the rocker plate 1044 about an axis centered onthe concave indentation 1090 on the second jaw 1014.

In some other embodiments, the thickness of the cantilever arm 1052 maygradually increase from the first rocker body end 1050 to the cantileverarm end tip 1054 and the rocker body 1046 may be alternatively shaped tofacilitate pivoting the rocker plate 1044 about the axis centered on theconcave indentation 1090 on the second jaw 1014.

Based on the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that the panel mount1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 may provide a pivot point without use ofthreaded fasteners or threaded holes on the second jaw 1014.

Although the example panel mount 1000 described with reference to FIG.10 includes a rocker plate 1044 having a cantilever arm 1052 coupled tothe first rocker body end 1050, in some other embodiments, the rockerplate 1044 may not have a cantilever arm 1052. For example, the panel985 may be received between the adjustable plate 500 and a rocker platewithout any cantilever arm. In some embodiments, where the rocker plate1044 may not include a cantilever arm, one or more setting blocks (notillustrated in FIG. 10) may be positioned on and/or abut the first basesurface 218 to prevent contact between the received panel 985 and thefirst base surface 218. In some embodiments, the one or more settingblocks may be made of rubber and/or plastic material.

Further, although the example panel mount 1000 described with referenceto FIG. 10 includes a concave indentation 1090 in the second jaw 1014 toreceive a convex protrusion 1048 of the rocker plate 1044, in someembodiments, the second jaw 1014 may not have and/or may not require anysuch concave indentation. That is, the rocker plate 1044 may include arocker body having a convex protrusion 1048, and the convex protrusion1048 may abut the second jaw 1014 to provide a pivot point about an axiscentered on the convex protrusion. For example, the convex protrusion1048 may face a surface of the second jaw 1014, and the surface of thesecond jaw 1014 may be flat and may abut the convex protrusion 1048 toprovide a pivot point about an axis centered on the convex protrusion.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a front elevation view ofanother example panel mount 1100 fastened to a structure 1180. The panelmount 1100 includes a first jaw 1112 and a second jaw 1114. Further, thepanel mount 1100 may include a rocker plate 1160 that wraps around aportion of a received panel 1185. The rocker plate 1160 may includeconvex protrusion 1150 facing the second jaw 1114. In the illustratedembodiment, the convex protrusion 1150 may not align with portions of afirst threaded fastener 1132 (received within a first threaded hole1122) and a second threaded fastener 1134 (received within a secondthreaded hole 1124) protruding from a surface of the first jaw 1112.Accordingly, a user may adjust the position of the received panel 1185by independently adjusting the first threaded fastener 1132 and thesecond threaded fastener 1134 towards and away from the second jaw 1114.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the panel mount 1100 also includes mountingholes 1170. In some embodiments, the mounting holes 1170 may be threadedholes for receiving threaded fasteners, such as screws or bolts. In someother embodiments, the mounting holes 1170 may be non-threaded holes andmay be configured to receive anchor fasteners, such as wedge anchors,sleeve anchors, tapcon screws, and/or lag bolts. The fasteners maysecure the panel mount 1100 to the structure 1180. For example, portionsof the second jaw 1114 may be adhered or fastened to a structure 1180.

Further, the second jaw 1114 and the structure 1180 may not beaccessible by a user. Accordingly, a user may adjust the position of thereceived panel 1185 to a position that is not parallel to a wall of thestructure 1180 by independently turning the first threaded fastener 1132and/or the second threaded fastener 1134 counter-clockwise or clockwisesuch that one of the first threaded fastener 1132 or the second threadedfastener 1134 protrudes the surface of the first jaw by a greaterdistance than the other of the first threaded fastener 1132 or thesecond threaded fastener 1134.

In some embodiments, the panel mount 1100 may also include a weepinghole 1172. For example, the weeping hole 1172 may be a small opening inthe panel mount 1100 that allows water or other liquids to drain fromthe assembly.

Embodiments of panel mounts may include a set of two protrusions on afirst jaw and a pivot point on the second jaw, in accordance with thedescription of the present application. For example, two protrusions maybe provided when a first threaded fastener is adjusted to protrude froma first jaw towards a second jaw, and when a second threaded fastener isadjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw. Further,the pivot point on the second jaw may be provided when a third threadedfastener is adjusted to protrude from the second jaw towards the firstjaw. In other embodiments, the pivot point may be provided by a concaveindentation in the second jaw. In further embodiments, the pivot pointmay be may be a point at which a convex protrusion on a rocker plateabuts the second jaw. Accordingly, a panel may be fastened between theset of two protrusions and the pivot point. Further, when one of the twoprotrusions protrudes from the first jaw at a greater distance than theother, the panel may pivot about an axis centered on the pivot point.

In some embodiments, a panel mount system may include a channel forreceiving one or more panels. The channel may include multiple sets oftwo protrusions and a pivot point. That is, each set of two protrusionsand the pivot point may be successively positioned along the channel.Accordingly, one or more panels may be fastened between the successivesets of protrusions and pivot points.

Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments canbe made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to beillustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel mount for adjustably fastening a panel toa structure, the panel mount comprising: a base having a first basesurface; a first jaw and a second jaw extending from the first basesurface, the first jaw and the second jaw defining an elongate slot; afirst threaded hole and a second threaded hole in the first jaw, thefirst threaded hole and the second threaded hole extending through thefirst jaw, the first threaded hole being nearer to the first basesurface than the second threaded hole; a first threaded fastenerreceived within the first threaded hole, the first threaded fastenerbeing a first protrusion when the first threaded fastener is adjusted toprotrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw; a second threadedfastener received within the second threaded hole, the second threadedfastener being a second protrusion when the second threaded fastener isadjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw; and arocker plate positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw, therocker plate including a rocker body having a convex protrusion, theconvex protrusion abutting the second jaw to provide a pivot point aboutan axis centered on the convex protrusion such that the panel pivotsabout the pivot point when protrusion of the first threaded fastener orthe second threaded fastener from the first jaw is adjusted, whereby thepanel is to be fastened between the rocker plate and at least one of thefirst protrusion or the second protrusion, and wherein the rocker plateincludes a cantilever arm coupled to a first rocker body end, andwherein the cantilever arm extends from the first rocker body endtowards the first jaw to a cantilever arm tip.
 2. The panel mount ofclaim 1, wherein the cantilever arm has a cantilever arm thickness, andwherein the cantilever arm thickness tapers from the first rocker bodyend to the cantilever arm end tip.
 3. The panel mount of claim 1,wherein the panel mount further comprises a concave indentation in thesecond jaw receiving the convex protrusion to provide the pivot pointabout an axis centered on the concave indentation.
 4. The panel mount ofclaim 3, wherein a first distance is a direct distance between the firstthreaded hole and the first base surface, and wherein a second distanceis a direct distance between the second threaded hole and the first basesurface, and wherein a third distance is a direct distance between theconcave indentation in the second jaw and the first base surface, andwherein the third distance is greater than the first distance, andwherein the third distance is less than the second distance.
 5. Thepanel mount of claim 3, wherein the base is in a base plane, and whereinthe first jaw is in a first jaw plane, the first jaw plane beingperpendicular to the base plane, and wherein the second jaw is in asecond jaw plane, the second jaw plane being parallel to the first jawplane, and wherein the first threaded hole, the second threaded hole,and the concave indentation in the second jaw are in a protrusion planeperpendicular to the base plane, the first jaw plane and the second jawplane.
 6. The panel mount of claim 1, further comprising an adjustableplate between the first jaw and the rocker plate, wherein the adjustableplate includes a first adjustable plate surface abutting at least one ofthe first threaded fastener or the second threaded fastener.
 7. Thepanel mount of claim 6, further comprising a first compression pad on asecond adjustable plate surface.
 8. The panel mount of claim 6, whereinthe rocker plate is coupled to the adjustable plate at a coupling point,the coupling point including the cantilever arm end tip and a firstadjustable plate end, the first adjustable plate end being adjacent thefirst base surface, and wherein the coupling point is flexible.
 9. Thepanel mount of claim 1, further comprising a second compression pad on arocker plate surface facing the first jaw.
 10. The panel mount of claim1, wherein the base has a second base surface opposite the first basesurface, the panel mount further comprising a base fastener to couplethe panel mount to the structure.
 11. The panel mount of claim 1,further comprising one or more setting blocks abutting the first basesurface to prevent contact between the panel and the first base surface.12. The panel mount of claim 1, wherein a panel facing surface of thesecond jaw abutting the convex protrusion is substantially flat.
 13. Apanel mount system comprising a plurality of panel mounts as defined inclaim 1, wherein the plurality of panel mounts are successivelypositioned to receive a portion of one or more received panels.